HFCA Students Earn Merit Scholarships to a Top College Prep High School

Every year, the last week in January marks a nation-wide effort to celebrate all that is good, positive, and valuable about Catholic education. This year's celebration at Holy Family Catholic Academy (Inverness) included honoring two special 8th grade students who will be transitioning from their nationally and internationally recognized Catholic middle school to one of the area's most highly regarded Catholic College Prep high schools.

Mrs. Debbie Eppel and Mr. Nate Brill, both Associate Directors of Admissions at Carmel Catholic High School (Mundelein), attended an all school Mass at HFCA and announced that 8th graders Jacqueline Caglar and Andrew Pelfresne scored over the 93rd percentile nationally in the Catholic High School entrance exam. This achievement earned both students merit scholarships for each of the four years they will be attending Carmel. In announcing the awards, Mrs. Eppel pointed out the magnitude of their achievement in the rigorous assessment used by private schools. "Data supports that students tend to score about 5% lower on this exam than other nationally administered achievement tests. Both Jacqueline and Andrew did amazingly well to attain their respective scores."

States HFCA Principal Kate O'Brien, "We are so proud that Jacqueline and Andrew will be attending Carmel. It is a wonderful school that will give them both the opportunity to pursue their individual strengths whether through Carmel's outstanding STEM curriculum or extensive performing arts offerings."

Both students transferred to HFCA from other schools and embraced HFCA's style of learning that focuses on the development of the whole child. Mrs. Deborah Pelfresne shared, "We are very grateful for the high quality education Andrew has received at HFCA. We have such great respect for Mrs. O'Brien and all the teachers who continually challenge students to meet a very high standard." Mrs. Christina Caglar added, "We chose HFCA for their innovative curriculum, including their International Baccalaureate qualification. Holy Family not only met but exceeded all our expectations. Mrs. O'Brien and all of the teachers provide a secure, loving environment where all students learn that character, integrity and kindness are just as important as their academic success."

Dr. Brad Bonham, President of Carmel Catholic added, "We congratulate HFCA, Jacqueline, and Andrew on their exemplary performance. There is great synergy between HFCA's and Carmel Catholic's approach to education, and we welcome Jacqueline and Andrew as they join a growing list of HFCA students who have done so well at Carmel."

Principal O'Brien concludes, "Our motto is to develop thinkers, leaders grounded in faith. Jacqueline and Andrew are academically well prepared and confident in their values. We can't wait to see their future successes!"